One of the hardest things with using the iPad in the classroom is finding the time to go through all of the apps in the iTunes Store listed under the education banner. We have started to list some of the apps we've found under each of the Key Learning Areas.

Monday, January 21, 2013

A friend of mine @miss_martins tweeted a great find today on Google. It is a search feature just for apps. Type in any subject or category and let Google bring the apps to you. This is a great new feature from Google.

Friday, January 18, 2013

I am lucky enough to be attending a Google Apps Summit today in Sydney, Australia. Whilst I have seen heaps of very cool tips, tricks and new features for apps one of the most impressive for me was the ability to Video from within your iOS Google Drive app. We all know that some of the Google products do not have full functionality on the iPads, yet. The new features being enabled does seem to happen regularly - sometimes daily.

This new feature of Google Drive (well new to me anyway) is one that I can see having a huge benefit within the classroom.

1. The students simply open their Google Drive app go to the + icon in the top right hand corner.

2. Select Use Camera. This opens a small window in the top right hand corner of the screen and you can take photos or video. As you can see you even have the option to upload existing ones.

3. The photo or video is taken and then you are given the opportunity to use it or not. if you chose Use it, it is automatically saved to your My Drive. Look for your little Google Movie Icon to appear in your my drive. This is a great way to move video onto and off the iPad.

I love this! I can't wait to get this into the hands of a group of kids to see what other ways we can this feature.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

I came across a tweet about iPad apps yesterday from @1moniqued and was impressed with a Google Doc she had started. I thought it might be something that we could crowd source further. I am going to hand over to Monique now so she can explain her concept.

Guest Post from Monique Dalli

As a "self-confessed-geeky-teacher" (aka edu-nerd) I play video games, I own multiple devices (of which I have issues with separation anxiety, but that's normal right?), I download loads of cool apps on these devices and occasionally, I find a way of connecting these to my classroom content giving me not only an excuse to "play" in the classroom, but to excite my learners and connect the syllabus to stuff they enjoy.

The first issue I had however was that I wanted more excuses to do this. I wanted to know MORE ways of integrating apps into my classroom teaching and students learning. The second issue, was that I was purchasing TWO apps that did similar things? This was happening without the experienceto discern between the best option, or after purchasing an app I realised it could not do what I actually wanted it to do in my classroom.

THE SOLUTION! (now here is where you can tell I'm a teacher of D&T, every problem has a designed solution right!) I created a GOODLE DOC that tabulated apps, their functionality AND their numerous applications in the classroom being a google doc I could access to from multiple devices, YAY!

This document wasn't amazing with just adding what I knew though? SO, I changed the SHARE settings on the google doc to allow all who had the link the ability to edit it!! . . . . I tweeted the link, it got re-tweeted, some other clever teachers added their ideas and VOILA! I now have access to the BEST edu-list of current apps and classroom tips for integration ON THE PLANET! :)

You want access to this document right? . . . You want to add your fave apps that you use in theclassroom with examples of teaching strategies don't you?. . . You want to share it with your twitter followers and colleagues?! . . .Well, OF COURSE YOU CAN!!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Maths Apps are the ones most frequently searched for on this site. I sometimes think that if I had some of these apps I would have taken a greater interest in Maths as a kid. It was not that I was disinterested I just missed some of the basics. With some of these game based apps at least students can be engaged long enough to discovery some of the basic maths concepts.

The first two were developed by an Australian App Company called GetShinyThings. I need to let you know that these guys contacted me and sent over a couple of redeem codes. Having said that I am always impartial but also happy to promote Australian content designed and produced by Australian developers - good job guys. Anyway have a look and see if any of these would be appropriate for your little mathematicians.

Jungle Picnic: $2.99 AU
Jungle Picnic is a funky learning app for preschool children with very cool graphics. The concepts are all about recognising shapes, numbers and colours. The engaging characters certainly add to the motivation, as does the growing complexity of tasks. This is all done with familiar objects and themes. Jungle Picnic bridges the gap between informal learning and formal maths instruction.

Sakura Quick Maths: $1.99 AU
I have spent some time on this app and enjoyed the self competition it fosters. You practice your maths while racing the clock. The app features handwriting recognition which is pretty cool. Quick Maths is perfect for students to improve their all round mathematics ability. The multiple difficulty levels allows the app to grow with your skills. You can also tweet your best scores - great motivator

Number Run: $1.99 AU
Baron von Count has stolen the 4 Mathemagical crystals of the land. Chase him down and bring him to justice or humanity will be forced to count on their fingers forever! Number Run is great practice for boys and girls learning math. Finally, a FUN math game featuring 52 levels across addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division that is also aligned to Common Core state standards.

Maths with Mouse: FREE
We are going on a treasure hunt and only math can help us. From easy problems to the difficult ones, studying little by little we'll unveil the map and discover the treasure. All math problems are read aloud helping to connect aural memory. No incorrect answers. If a kid makes mistake, they can always count on a hint. Designed to be about discovery learning.

Fruit Frenzy: $0.99
In this frantic puzzle game you'll match together fruit as fast as you can to score big points. This game has the magic combination of addictive gameplay, great graphics and toe-tapping music that will keep you coming back for more. The unique row-sliding gameplay makes this game different to any other! Three different games modes to keep all kids challenged and engaged.

DinoMath: FREE
DinoMath uses a fantasy map with 5 different levels. The levels are initially locked until the player has earned high scores while navigating around the levels on the map. Eventually questions are timed and begin to include subtraction. Players are rewarded with coins for correct answers. They can later use those coins to unleash dinosaur-themed artwork that ROARS back at them.

Math-QuizUp: FREE
Perfect for students new to arithmetic or adults who want to hone up on their mental math, Math QuizUp lets you compete in real time against other players around the world. Are you speedier at subtraction then someone in Sweden? Can you defeat a Canadian at division? Find out with real time global and national rankings.

Numbers League: $4.49
In Numbers League only the clever use of basic math skills will save the day. The more you play the sharper these skills will become until no villain is safe from your numerical onslaught. The Minion-level game can be mastered by a five year old, the Superhero-level game will challenge even math-savvy parents and teachers, and Custom levels allow for a learning experience anywhere in between.

Bugs and Numbers provides an extensive collection of unique games dedicated to learning and practicing a wide range of math skills in a non-traditional way. Organized into three basic stages, the app grows with your student through 18 games ranging from basic counting to early fractions. Designed around a bug city, each game is crafted for a basic set of math skills.

3D Maths Racing Pro: $0.99 AU
3D Maths Racing Pro will have your students begging you to practice their Maths Skills. In this crazy 3D racing game you get a speed boost for every problem you solve. It is The game is customizable so you can use it with students in multiple grade levels. If you have boys (or girls) who are reluctant to practice their math facts then this may be part of the answer.

Monday, January 14, 2013

More and more toddlers live in the touch and swipe world. We have all seen toddlers navigate sophisticated iPhones and iPad apps. This can be one of the positive side effect of the 'pass-back' syndrome, where we pass the iDevice back to the toddler in the car or supermarket line to keep them occupied. What if the time spent with iDevice was also beneficial and not just entertaining? Here are a couple of apps that parents can be happy to 'pass back' to their kids when the need arises.

Leo's Pad Appisode: FREE
Your child befriends 8-year-old Leonardo da Vinci. Together they go on dream-big adventures and play with adaptive learning games woven seamlessly into the story. “Gally’s Birthday,” costars a young Galileo Galilei, who dreams of flying to the stars. Future appisodes will feature child versions of other historical characters in Leo’s band of friends, including Marie Curie.

Playground HD1 Lite: FREE
This "Lite" games collection contains 12 different games for kids. The developers have tried to make all games as clear and simple as possible. All games are clearly structured on the title screen so your children can quickly change the game without getting lost in the vastness of the iPad.https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/playground-hd1-lite-12-games/id486698693?mt=8

Beck and Bo: $1.99 AU
Beck and Bo is a fun educational game that is sure to engage your little kids in a creative way. Beck and Bo as they go on a train trip with their beloved dog, swim in the ocean with a giant whale, go on safari and run into noisy gorillas! Kids are invited to build beautiful, animated scenes by dragging and dropping objects, to their proper place; and while they do that, they listen to their names and sounds!

Grammaropolis: FREE
Grammaropolis is where grammar lives! Grammaropolis uses the parts of speech as animated characters whose personalities are based on the roles they play in the sentence. From the shady pronoun to the motherly conjunction, Grammaropolis achieves the impossible: it makes learning grammar fun!

Pogo Pig Savings: $0.99 AU
By learning to save money in order to get what they want through a fun and interactive game, kids learn the concept of self-control from a young age. "Pogo Pig Savings" is geared towards 2-4 years old and explores one of the fundamental success learning blocks for kids - the concept of saving.

Prewriting: $0.99 AU
PreWriting is an educational app for children aged between 3 and 6 years. Thanks to its attractive design children are able to practice many times the same activity without getting bored and they can also internalize the strokes worked. It is an apt pedagogical tool for parents and educators, useful as a complement to the school learnings.

Cambug Letter Sounds: FREE
Cambugs Letter Sounds has been developed by educational psychologists and parents, working in partnership with the University of Cambridge. Cambugs Letter Sounds is targeted at pre-readers, as well as struggling older readers. It uses evidence-based techniques that research has shown helps children develop their reading skills.

Babble Planet: $2.99 AU
For those parents with Non english speaking toddlers. Babble Planet is a fun learning game for children! Immersed in a fully English-speaking world, children find themselves in the midst of a great adventure where they will progress while practicing spoken English. Babble Planet helps him/her practice spoken English with fun mini-games.

Sight Words - Learn to Read: FREE
Learning Sight Words has never been so much fun! Using all touch features which kids love with playful sounds and professionally recorded voiceovers, this is a complete learning experience for any child who is beginning to learn Sight Words or looking to enhance vocabulary and memory.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

iDevices used as remote controls are not new but many teachers are now looking at how some of the new robotic devices can be used as part of their normal teaching and learning.

We recently purchased both the Sphero and the iConCopter and have used both to good effect - although the iConCopter was a personal purchase. I thought it might be handy to have a look at some of the suitable options available. Obviously because of the costs these are items that may need to be planned for in the budget. They may not be appropriate as a whole class set but rather as two or three of one or more of these options that can then be used as kits for special projects or specific units of work.

The Sphero and Tankbot would be good to use with Maths, setting out the steps required to get through a maze - especially with the drawing feature in the Sphero.

Let me know if you are using any other appropriate devices that we have not mentioned here.

Sphero: $79.00 AU

Sphero by Orbotix is the world's first robotic ball and gaming device that you control with a tilt, touch, or swing on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Easily connect to Sphero via Bluetooth, then dive into unique, mixed-reality gameplay using fun and challenging built-for-Sphero apps.

You can control Sphero wirelessly from any of your iOS devices or you can use Sphero as a controller for on-screen games. The device has been engineered in such a way to encourage developers to make games for the device. The intuitive controls are easy for all ages to learn once they download the free Sphero app. Sphero can be used on wood or tile floors, sidewalks, carpet making it one of the most versatile app controlled gadgets for use in schools. I especially like the feature that allows students to draw a track that Sphero then follows.

Presenting the i-Wheels Micro Robot. This is a unique design for a remote controlled device. The robot has been constructed in such a way that it can not fall over even with just two wheels. Not only does the iWheel come in four super bright colours but it is also controlled by any of your iDevices using the "i-Robot" app from App Store. It looks very easy to control, allowing you to go forward / backward, turn left / right, rotate CW / CCW. Like a lot of these robots, the learning curve may be steep for the adults in the class. Great for mazes or maneuvering over a set track.

These six legged robots are also made for HeliPal.com and happens to use the same app as the iWheels micro robot. Inspired by the movement and characteristics of an insect, the insect-like legs are manipulated by the internal structure inside and powered by a small rechargeable battery. Charge your Bug via the included USB cable and start controlling it using your iPhone, iPad or iPod. The IR transmitter allows you to control the bug up to a distance of 6 meters.

Tankbot: $33.00 AU

I really like this new toy for robot enthusiasts called TankBot. It offers infrared sensors that allow the micro-vehicle to navigate mazes, and a universal remote that plugs in to the headphone jack of an iOS or Andriod device. The TankBots also play sounds and blink when idle, and feature three modes of play.

In addition to the autonomous maze-solving mode, the toy can be set to free-roaming, acting under its own direction, as well as controller mode under the direction of an iOS or Andriod app. Each unit has a retractable USB charger built right into the body of the product, meaning no additional batteries are required. The company says that 40 minutes of charging will yield about 15 minutes of play time. The companion app allows users to control the unit using a virtual "joystick".

This is another robot I might have to purchase myself. Romo is billed as a revolutionary mobile robotic platform that uses your smartphone as its brain. When connected with any iOS device, Romo becomes a friendly robotic avatar that wanders about your home or office. Romo is the first personal robot built for everyone. He’s small but sturdy, fast, and his basic interactions evolve the more you use him.

By combining smartphones with a mobile base, they have created robots that do awesome things (telepresence, autonomous navigation, machine vision). Because software for Romo is distributed through the Apple App Store users download new behaviors and personalities for their robots at the click of a button. Anyone can build and distribute new apps for Romo using the Romotive SDK. This is being actively encouraged by the manufacturers. I also like that this was a Kickstarterproject.

This is a bit over the top but easily fits into the notion of a iPhone control device. The AR.Drone 2.0 remote-control quadricopter combines the best of many worlds, including modeling, video gaming and augmented reality. The AR.Drone 2.0 is remote-controlled by an iPhone or iPad and features a number of sensors, including a high-definition front camera, vertical camera, an ultrasound altimeter and absolute control mode. With the AR Drone 2.0, you can now record video and take pictures while in-flight and directly share them on Youtube and Picasa. You can also use the AR.Drone in video games, such as AR.Race, a one or two-player game using an obstacle course.

At roughly $299 AU it is out of the price range of most schools, but it might be worth discussing with other faculties as a shared purchase. This would be especially good for promotional shots of the school grounds, the full student body or even football games and promotional events like fairs, Open Days and Sports Carnivals.